“Sister-in-law, try the dumplings I made and see how they taste.” She handed a pair of chopsticks to Fang Hong.
She also took a bowl and put a dumpling in it, taking a bite. It was soft yet chewy and tasted delicious. Qin Xue’s eyes narrowed in satisfaction.
Fang Hong couldn’t help but smile at Qin Xue’s expression.
She really was like a child. Fang Hong picked up a dumpling and took a bite, surprised to find that it was indeed delicious.
It was even better than the ones sold outside – quite fresh and sweet. No wonder Mr. Xie had given such high praise for it last night.
After eating three dumplings in a row, Fang Hong put down her chopsticks and chuckled, “Ah, I’ve eaten too many, I’m so sorry.”
Her face reddened with embarrassment, unaccustomed to eating so much or without restraint, especially in someone else’s home. But somehow, at Qin Xue’s place, she had forgotten her manners and eaten too much.
“No need to be sorry, I’m happy that you enjoyed it. I made plenty, so eat as much as you want. Later, take some home for Mr. Xie to try.
You don’t have to cook lunch; just boil an egg and have it with the dumplings should suffice. It’s simple and convenient.”
In her previous life, Qin Xue enjoyed this as her meal combination, a dumpling and a bowl of egg soup would do.
“That sounds great, then I won’t be shy. How do you make the dumplings and meat filling so soft and delicious? Mine don’t turn out this way.”
Fang Hong thought that if she could learn how to make these dumplings, her husband and son would love them!
“It’s simple. The softness comes from balancing water in the dough, knead it until it’s smooth and shiny, and then let it sit.
When the dough has visibly small holes like a honeycomb, it’s ready to use. Knead it again, roll the dough into thin pieces, then stuff and steam them for about half an hour and remove from heat for five minutes.
Meanwhile, prepare the filling by marinating finely chopped meat and vegetables with salt, soy sauce, condiments, a bit of sesame oil, a spoonful or two of pig fat or vegetable oil, and a little bit of white wine. Let it sit for about ten minutes.”
Qin Xue told Fang Hong the whole process of making dumplings.
“That’s the secret! No wonder mine don’t taste as good. Thank you, Qin Xue! Others may not be willing to share their recipe.”
Fang Hong knew that this was a skill that could be sold, but Qin Xue was generous enough to teach her everything!
“Sister-in-law, you’re being too polite! We’re friends, right? Why should we be so formal? It’s just a recipe for making dumplings, not a top-secret.”
“With your dumpling-making skills, I can come over and eat at your place without having to make them myself. It’s a win-win situation!”
Qin Xue knew that Fang Hong was a grateful person, so she shared the recipe with her, which did not disappoint.
They chatted while eating dumplings, and Qin Xue continued knitting her sweater. Fang Hong watched her, surprised by her speed.
“Qin Xue, how did you learn to knit so fast? I’ve been doing it for years, and I can’t keep up with you!”
“Sister-in-law, you know how ‘practice makes perfect.’ Once you’re familiar with knitting, it becomes second nature.”
“You’re really talented, good at everything you do.” Fang Hong thought Qin Xue was incredible.
Even the plan to marry Chu Molin was a good one – Chu Molin wouldn’t be at a loss marrying someone as smart and capable as Qin Xue. Fang Hong guessed that Qin Xue’s past behavior might have been influenced by Bai Jing, but after separating from her, Qin Xue had changed for the better.
“Qin Xue, don’t hang out with Bai Jing anymore.
Just look at what happened to your reputation when you were with her. Now that you’re not with her, you’re so smart and capable.” Fang Hong thought about it and decided to bring up the topic to Qin Xue.
“Bai Jing? Who’s Bai Jing?” Qin Xue really didn’t know who that was, since she had none of the original owner’s memories.
“Uh, I forgot you lost your memory. Never mind, just be more careful with people in the future and don’t get fooled and end up counting money for others.”
Fang Hong felt that Qin Xue was too naive when it came to people. On one hand, she hoped she could be simple and not have to worry about being on guard when they were together, but on the other hand, she was afraid she would be tricked and couldn’t rest easy. It was a real dilemma!
“Okay, thank you, sister-in-law. Mr. Xie and the others must be off work now.
I’ll pack some buns for you to take home and make some soup, otherwise it’ll be too dry and hard to eat.” Qin Xue heard the sound of many people coming and going in the hallway.
She took a plate and put four buns and four steamed buns in it for Fang Hong to take away. After steaming them, Qin Xue didn’t pick them out, but kept them warm in the pot. Now they were hot, and Fang Hong could eat them without having to heat them up.
“You don’t need that many, this is too many. Just pack two would be enough, we can’t finish so many!” Fang Hong had already eaten her fill and didn’t want to take so many home.
“It’s not too much, I made them small. I’m afraid it’s not enough for a big man like Mr. Xie.
Don’t push it, it won’t taste good when it gets cold. You go home quickly, and I won’t see you off.” Qin Xue sent Fang Hong out the door.
Turning around, she packed four buns and four steamed buns for Yu Xiu’s family as well. There were still seven buns and two steamed buns left for her own dinner and breakfast tomorrow.
She couldn’t eat steam buns every meal, so she had to switch it up.
Qin Xue was from the Southern Region in her previous life, and her staple food was rice. Occasionally eating noodles was fine, but eating them constantly made her not want them anymore. Especially now that she was pregnant and her tastes kept changing.
Yu Xiu’s family lived on the floor above theirs.
Qin Xue waited until there was no sound in the hallway to carry the buns and steamed buns upstairs, so as not to be seen by others and become gossip material.
When she went upstairs, Yu Xiu was cooking, and Mr. Xu was playing with their daughter in the living room. It was very warm and cozy.
“Hello sister-in-law, Mr. Xu. I made some buns and brought a few for you to try. Please don’t despise them.” Qin Xue handed the buns to Yu Xiu.
“Qin Xue came, come in and sit.” Xu Fangzhou put the child down on the ground and stood up to speak.
“Qin Xue, what are you doing? You just brought us meat yesterday, and now you’re bringing buns.
You’re not having an easy time yourself, so don’t bother with us. You should take it back and eat it yourself.” Yu Xiu genuinely felt embarrassed.
She had only taken care of Qin Xue for a few days in the hospital, and now she was being brought meat and buns.
Yu Xiu felt guilty for accepting them. Initially, she had gone to the hospital because Mr. Xu and Mr. Xie had discussed it, saying that Chu Molin was not there and no one was taking care of Qin Xue.
There was no choice but for her and Fang Hong to go and take care of her, but now the things she was sending over were too precious. No one was rich these days, so it was hard to accept them without feeling guilty.
“Sister-in-law, you’re being too polite. These are not exotic delicacies, just some buns. I made a few extras and thought I’d bring some for you to try. As long as you don’t mind, that’s all that matters!
Is this your daughter? She’s so cute!” Qin Xue looked at the little girl with big eyes staring at the buns but not shouting to eat them. She could tell she had been well brought up!
“Yes, this is my daughter, Xu Jia, her nickname is Jiajia. Jiajia, say hello to Auntie!” Yu Xiu looked at her daughter with a gentle smile.
Yu Xiu’s expression now was nothing like her usual calm one.
It seemed that every mother radiated motherly love when she was with her own child.
“Hello, Auntie, I’m Jiajia.” Little Jiajia listened to her mother and smiled at Qin Xue with squinting eyes as she greeted her.
“Wow, so adorable! Hello, Jiajia! Feel free to come over to Auntie’s place sometime. Auntie will make you some delicious food.” Maybe it was because she was pregnant herself, but Qin Xue couldn’t help but like the adorable little girl. She wondered if she would also give birth to such a cute girl.